Amsterdam is a new period comedy thriller written, directed, and produced by David O. Russell. Released through 20th Century Studios. At their best, David O. Russell’s movies will revel in their mayhem. They’re infused with the tenaciousness and/or thunderousness of…
‘Tár’ review: A thunderous breakdown of how power can’t conduct itself
Tár is one of those rare films about a specific art that just about anyone watching it can embrace, even if they have no connection or previous knowledge of the art itself beyond a vague familiarity. In this case, the…
‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’ review: Cliché, but without the crocodile tears
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s story by Bernard Waber. Directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon (Office Christmas Party) and written by William Davies (Puss in Boots). It would be an insanely difficult task…
‘Emily the Criminal’ review: A smart and tightly woven crime thriller starring Aubrey Plaza
In Emily the Criminal, first-time writer/director John Patton Ford makes simultaneously crafting a tense thriller and insightful social commentary look easy with just the simplest of ingredients. At first glance, the film may seem a bit spare or unassuming, laying…
‘Summering’ review: A half-baked and muddled misfire for James Ponsoldt
Promising on paper, Summering is a frustrating film on almost every level. I went in with high hopes, as would anyone who loved James Ponsoldt’s previous modern classic of the coming-of-age genre, The Spectacular Now. In that and a handful of other independent…
‘Inu-Oh’ review: Masaaki Yuasa delivers a dizzying, animated, rock-opera
With infectious animation and visual vibrancy, Masaaki Yuasa once again proves himself a master of his craft in Inu-Oh. Based on the novel Tales of the Heike: INU-OH by Hideo Furukawa, Yuasa casts his kinetic, relentless vision on 14th century…
‘Prey’ review : Expect the unexpected
The Predator franchise may not have as large a following as other sci-fi sagas out there. You won’t see many heated debates over which era is better, like with Star Wars or Trek. Most fans of the science-fiction horror series…